Chronic Thoracic Pain. Buldging Disc T5-t6 And Small Bone Spur

Posted on Mon, 29 Jul 2019

Question: Chronic thoracic pain. buldging disc t5-t6 and small bone spur on spinal cord , multi level degenerative disc disease(MRI)Recently, tingling shins(on and off) /lower legs. Should I worry, is this related? no leg pain or other symptoms other than localized pain t5-t6. Consulted with doctor and neurosurgeon recommended to watch. but didn't have tingling then, small exam was performed reflexes normal etc, I feel no numbness. tingling on and off.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is possible a relationship between tingling and disc bulge.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.

I have read your query and here is my advice.

The tingling on an off may be caused by the same problem that is causing your thoracic pain ( i.e. by the bulging disk and/or bone spurs in the thoracic spine).

This may happen because some degree of spinal cord too, or any instability of the vertebral spine.

The situation seems not to be aggravated since there are no neurological signs for serious spinal cord compression.

For now I agree with the opinion of your Doctor to follow up.

Also you should restrict weight lifting or heavy physical efforts in order to prevent any aggravation.

Antineuralgic drugs also may be used for the pain.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (5 hours later)

Thank you for the answer.
I forgot to mention that the bone spur is leaving a slight impression (MRI wording) on the spinal cord. The doctor said it was a tiny little bone spur.
I am scared of having to have the surgery if because of the risks and also the bone spur is anterior. If surgery is required, do they have to
Go through the chest?
What should I watch out for?
Should I worry about the new tingling in my legs symptoms?
is this common?
Why is the thoracic spine affecting the lower legs?
Is cycling on gravel trail safe?
What exercise is safe and what else should I avoid?
I worked as a dental hygienist for mearly 30 years with poor posture.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I don't think you need surgery.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Surgery is reserved only for cases with serious symptoms and neurological signs that don't respond to conservative measures.

There are several surgical approaches if it comes to surgery (I don't think yours is the case).

Some degree of tingling may be acceptable.

Lower legs are affected because the nerves that supply them pass through the entire spinal cord.

Light exercises should help in your case.

You should improve posture, avoid weights (including losing weight).

Hope this helps

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (5 hours later)

Thank you for great detailled answre, it’s reassuring.
Did you say I should avoid loosing weight? Or should I loose weiht?
I am a bit overweight for my height. 158 lbs 5 foot 4 inches
I’m not sure I understand

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Loosing weight should help you.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

You should lose some weight in order to ease your vertebral column and your symptoms.

Also, you should avoid lifting heavy weights and bad posture.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng